2023: Week 8, Term 3

Principal's Message

REFLECTION on THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL

Two solemn statements: follow in which Jesus confirms the disciples in the powers of Peter ‘to bind and loose’, concluding with Jesus’ wonderful promise to be with those who gather in his name. The progress through the states of reconciliation are marked by ‘if…but if …and if’. These conjunctions can help to clarify the meaning. At the end of the process ‘treat him like a pagan or a tax collector’ should be read with great sadness, not with harshness or anger.

Not very many of us are able to CONFRONT people, without anger and harshness being evident. When Jesus confronted people, He always started with what was the TRUTH. If we need to speak to, or try to correct someone, let us be patient, kind and very truthful. And let us look honestly at ourselves - we all act and respond guided by (and limited by) our own humanness. This is never more evident than in a school where teachers, parents and students co-exist. As always, I thank you for your continued support when faced with confronting situations. 

There are a number of important messages in this week's newsletter - please take the time to read carefully. Enjoy the week ahead!

Mr O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents, 

Southwest and Aerotropolis Public Speaking

Last week we hosted the Semi Final of the Southwest and Aerotropolis Public Speaking Competition. We are so proud of all the students who represented our school so well. Special congratulations to the following students who will take part in the final on September 14 at St Anthony of Padua Austral. 

Year 5:

Danijela Hambrook

Jacob Pisani

Year 6: 

Chloe Chechuti 

Chloe Georgies 

Hagob Tatian 

Southwest and Aerotropolis Public Speaking

School Day Compliance

Over the past few years we have adjusted our school times to accommodate recommendations of staggered dismissal and to ease congestion in our Gloucester Street car park. 

In order to be compliant with NSW timetable requirements, we must extend our school day by 10 minutes to allow all students to participate in 5 hours of uninterrupted learning. There will not be any change to our 8:45 am start time. However, we will extend our day from 2:45pm to 2:55pm beginning in Term 4. 

This will mean that the first dismissal bell will ring at 2:55pm and the Gloucester Street and Mount Street Gates will not open until 2:55 pm to begin dismissal. 

Dismissal procedures will remain the same in line with the new times. 

2:55-3:10pm - Pick up from classrooms 

3:10pm 

• Students who are waiting for parent pick up will proceed to the Undercover where they will be supervised until 3:30pm
• Walkers are dismissed
• Students catching a bus home or attending after school care are dismissed to their areas. 

We thank you for your understanding and support with our new dismissal times. 

Warmer Weather

Over the next few weeks, we are due to experience some warmer weather. As such, all students are permitted to begin their full Summer Uniform. 

Please note students must wear either their COMPLETE Winter or their COMPLETE Summer Uniform. A mixture or combination of the two uniforms is not permitted. 

Complete Summer Uniform is per the images below:

REMINDER: Student Attendance

We have again sent home letters to explain absences in Compass. This is a requirement by law and also forms part of the Sydney Catholic Schools Attendance Policy. 

For some students, this is the third time a letter has been sent home asking parents to explain absences dating back to February.

Can you please ensure you check your child's bags for this letter. Moving forward, we ask all parents to promptly explain absences in Compass as they occur.

We appreciate your support and cooperation in maintaining accurate records for your child. 

Staff Development Days:

A reminder that all students will conclude Term 3 on Wednesday 20th September. Thursday 21st September and Friday 22nd September are designated Staff Development Days. 

Facebook & Instagram 

Be sure to like our school Facebook and Instagram Page - we will be regularly posting some of the exciting things taking place at JB. 

https://www.facebook.com/jbbonnyrigg

https://www.instagram.com/johnthebaptistbonnyrigg/ 

Mrs Natali Tomic  Assistant Principal 

Family Educator News

Family Educator  Term 3 Week 8

Remember to keep checking the COMPASS Calendar for Masses and events so you don’t miss out on anything! 

Year 5 Grade Mass- 14th September 9am

CATCH UP CUPPA!

Mondays- from 8.45 am Coffee, Tea and SPaR (Stop, Pray and Reflect) 

LAST SPaR this term is Monday 11th September

SpaR resumes in Week 2 Term 4- Spring Cleaning for your soul!

SPaR is a great way to start the week- Monday mornings in the demountable classroom on the top playground. We have a VERY short reflection (under ten minutes) followed by coffee and conversation- we have the coffee machine on and ready to go early!

Come along and bring a friend.

Wednesdays- 9am-10am JB Juniors Playgroup for 0-5 years

Playgroup is on each Wednesday, first thing in the morning after the bell goes! I look forward to seeing you all!. Open to those children aged 0-6 years. 

Wednesday 13th September- Last group this term 

 NO Playgroup in Week 10 or Week 1 of Term 4

RESUMES  Wednesday 18th October!!

We pray, sing and play and usually have fun making something crafty- great for all ages! 

Wishing everyone a wonderful Spring break- travel safely and enjoy the warmer weather! Rest, renew and prepare for the new season ahead!

“Let heaven celebrate! Let the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it roar! Let the countryside and everything in it celebrate! Then all the trees of the forest too will shout out joyfully.”   Psalm 96:11-12

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

IGNITE CONFERENCE IN SYDNEY OVER THE HOLIDAYS

Ignite Conference 23: Wonder – a National Catholic Conference for people of all ages to experience real world formation, powerful worship and encouragement in their Catholic faith in an exciting, and ground-breaking way.  

 We all need an opportunity to meet our God of wonders. At this time when our world is so full of fear, uncertainty and powerlessness, we desperately need the God of wonders to remind us of all that is good and true; that Jesus is present and powerful and able to move mountains in our lives.  

Ignite Conference is a chance to meet the God of wonders, to encounter Jesus for the first time or the hundredth time. It's a rare opportunity to gather as a people of faith from around the country. 

A line-up of speakers and artists will be joining our expanding Ignite family this year at two locations. In Brisbane, we are excited to continue our partnership with St. Laurence’s College in the heart of the city. And in Sydney, we are super excited to be hosted this year in the Diocese of Broken Bay and to reunite with all our friends in Greater Sydney! We want to see the Church in Australia be led by a wonder-filled generation ready to transform all around them into colour and light. 

 If you haven’t been to Ignite Conference yet, this is your time. Come along for four days of unforgettable Catholic worship, speakers, creativity, sacraments and workshops. Let’s invite the Holy Spirit to breathe WONDER into our lives, Church and nation together!   

 Find out everything you need to know about coming along, bringing a friend or bringing a whole group at ignite conference.com.au. 

Parish Matters- because it does! 

KEEP THE DATE- JB Spring Fair - October 22nd

DON’T MISS OUT on THIS EXCITING DAY OF FUN AND LAUGHTER!!

 7 SUNDAYS TO GO!! Jumping Castles, Popcorn, Fairy floss, Face Painting, for a gold coin donation only. There will be Snow Cones, a Barista for coffee lovers and for food lovers an array of cultural food from Italy, Croatia, Australia, Holland, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Philippines, and Tonga!! To entertain you on the day, we have,

 Studio 5 School of Dance, West Dance Co, Philippines and Tongan Choir, a Singer, and a Pianist.

 WANTED More Volunteers!! If you can help please place your name and contact number on the sign up sheets on the Church noticeboard outside the Church or-

Contact: Susan 0419 606 683 (after 3:30pm) or Sharon 0410 494 700 (after 5:30pm))

Church Bulletins can be found here

Maths News

Dear Parents,

At JB, we're all about embracing exciting challenges! Each week, we invite our students to join the Lunchtime Math Games, offering them opportunities to dive headfirst into the captivating world of mathematics. These challenges aren't just fun; they're designed to spark curiosity and enhance their mathematical reasoning skills, creating a fantastic learning experience that encourages critical thinking and collaboration.

Listen out to daily announcements and be ready to jump into the math adventures that await!

Michael Hobson/Daniella Kokkinis  Mathematics Coordinators 

Literacy News

Literacy Corner Week 8 Term 3

We thank all the parents, grandparents and children for their wonderful support with our Book Week celebrations.  There were many outstanding costumes and characters presented throughout the day.  Congratulations to our winners and all students who participated by bringing in their favourite book.  The world of books was on full display throughout the day and our theme of ‘Read, Grow and Inspire’ really came to life.  Students also had an opportunity to explore some fantastic authors: Morris Gleitzman, Andy Griffiths, Julia Donaldson and Oliver Jeffers.  Perhaps you may like to encourage your child to borrow other books from these authors and help them continue to explore! 

In Week 10 we have another exciting opportunity for our students in Years 1-6 to explore authors.  Children will engage with a variety of Scholastic books and authors through an engaging ‘Book Talk’ with Murray Hawkins.  Murray brings a wealth of knowledge and a love of books to his engaging presentations.  All the books Murray presents in Week 10, will then be for sale in our JB Book Fair in Term 4.  Please look out for more information about our Book Fair on compass.  

As Term 3 draws to a close, don’t forget to continue all the wonderful reading at home.  Every minute you spend reading with your child counts!  There will also be a brand new JB Spring Reading Challenge for the holidays that will come home in Week 10.  Happy reading everyone!

READ! READ! READ!

Teresa Wojtowicz & Francine Bushby  Literacy Coordinators 

Sports News

Netball Championship 

On Tuesday 29th August, our JB netball teams attended the Sydney Catholic Schools Netball Championships.  All but two of our students learnt to play netball during our Wednesday afternoon training sessions.  We came away with  wins, losses, draws and fabulous new skills.

Congratulations Audrey Alcantara, Alyssa Cabrera, Isabella Conte, Milania D'Amico, Imogen Darke, Chloe Davino, Angelina Kanoon, Mia Kewilahuo, Elara-Jade Khoshaba, Phoenix Kljajic, Allegra Lentini, Leon Mandalou, Miranda Mandic, Daniella Orlando, Lara Rassam, Olivia Rivas, Santana Rodi, Saviola Rofael, Severio Rofael, Kartia Russell, Mary Sarkesyan, Mia Skoda, Isabel Tantiyasawatdik, Alana Tripodina, Olivia Tutek, Liana Vukasin and Lucas Zhang.We thank Xavia Kljajic and Isabella Skoda for umpiring on the day. 

We also thank Mrs Cabrera and Mrs Tutek for coaching the teams and attending training each week.  We could not have done it without you!

Athletics News

We congratulate Alexia Asonitis who achieved third place in the 8 years 100m at the Sydney Athletics Championships. Alexia will now represent JB at the MacKillop trials.

Go Alexia! We are so proud.

Frances Oliverio  Sports Coordinator

Amadeus Reminder

Please remind your children to bring their instruments on their specified day. 

Many children are leaving their instruments at home.

Unfortunately, moving forward we will no longer be able to accept forgotten instruments for students on their Amadeus Day. 

Reminder Amadeus Classes

Mondays: Year 3 & Year 4 
Friday: Year 5 & Year 6

Thank you for your understanding.

Lost Property and School Uniforms

Missing Uniforms!

The unfolded items of clothing photo is our daily collection WITH names. We endeavour to return all items left lying around the school to your child.

Sadly the other items are nameless therefore they go to the clothing pool.

Please ensure you LABEL ALL items belonging to your child/children INCLUDING clothing, hats, drink bottles, lunch boxes and containers.

Thank you

The Administration Team

Clothing Pool Sale Tuesday 12 September

Dear Parents, 

Our Clothing Pool Sale will be held this Tuesday 12 September from 8:00-8:45am in the Clothing Pool room just near the multipurpose court.  Please enter via the Gloucester Street Carpark. 

This is a good chance to purchase summer uniform items.

All items are $5, with the exception of anoraks which are $20. 
Please bring correct money with you as this is a cash only sale and limited change is available. 

If you are unable to attend the clothing pool sale please complete the attached clothing pool request form and return it to our office by email info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au by Monday 11 September 2023. 

Please note there is limited availability in certain uniform items and sizes. 

Thank you, 
The Administration Team 

Notes from the Office

APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENDED LEAVE – TRAVEL

Parents, kindly note Sydney Catholic Schools has updated the Application for Extended Leave requirement to now 5 days or more, which supersedes the previous 10 days or more policy. Any families planning or considering family travel for 5 school days or more must apply with an Application for Extended Leave – Travel, 4 weeks in advance of your child/ren’s intended leave wherever possible. This application must also be accompanied by copies of travel documentation, if applicable. 

Application forms are available from the office. For your convenience, please feel free to call or email us on info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au and we will be happy to send this home with your eldest child.

We thank you for your co-operation with this process when making travel plans with your child/ren. 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Parents, a gentle reminder regarding the importance of informing our school of any changes that may occur to your family’s personal details such as an address, mobile numbers, emails, emergency contacts, etc. For your convenience, these details may be updated via the Personal Details Form available on your Compass Favourites links.

Of equal importance and in the best interests of your child/ren, we ask if there has been a new event or update in relation to your child’s health, once again, we ask this information be provided at the earliest. A Student Health Information Form is also available on your Compass Favourites link, to assist you in this process.

2024 PARENT/GUARDIAN & STUDENT VERIFICATION

Parents, you have recently received a Compass notification to complete 2024 Parent/Guardian & Student Verification in Compass Events.

As part of your child/ren’s ongoing enrolment, it is important the school maintains accurate records of ALL children within a family who enrolled in a Sydney Archdiocese Catholic Primary or High School.

Please complete this event to determine the correct School Fees (Sibling Discount) and Building Levy for your child/ren in 2024.  We ask this to be completed by 22nd September 2023 to ensure accurate billing for your family in 2024. 

Should you have any queries in relation to any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact the office on 9823 5042 or email info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au for assistance.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

SCHOOL FEES

Your 2023 school fee statements have now been emailed to you. It would be appreciated if your payments are made by the scheduled dates as listed on your statement. 

Payments can be made by CompassPay, BPay, Cash, Eftpos or Centrepay.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated!

Students Commencing Freeman Catholic College Year 7 2024

TO ALL PARENTS/CARERS WHO HAVE A CHILD THAT WILL BE COMMENCING AT FREEMAN CATHOLIC COLLEGE FOR YEAR 7 2024.

There will be an Acceptance Information Evening on Tuesday 14th November, 2023 commencing at 6.30pm in the Michael Addicoat Centre at Freeman Catholic College.  Parents and students are required to attend.

Year 7 2024 Orientation Day (for students only) will be Wednesday 22nd November, 2023. Students will be required to be at Freeman Catholic College all day.

Awards

Congratulations to the following students on achieving their badges:

Dates to Remember